Northwestern nears longest skid since 1998

Wildcats must upset Michigan State to avoid seventh straight loss

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald used a bit of twisted humor to describe the progress his team has made over the last two games.

"We went from four seconds away to one second away (from winning)," he said, "so I guess we're getting better."

Nebraska's Hail Mary came with four ticks left. Michigan tied Saturday's game on a field goal as time expired.

"You have to give the officials credit," Fitzgerald said. "They got that ball spotted miraculously and to perfection."

Northwestern, which hosts Michigan State at 11 a.m. Saturday, is in danger of losing its seventh straight game. That would be its longest streak since an eight-game skid in 1998, Gary Barnett's final season.

"We're in a tough storm right now, but (the players) are fighting through it," Fitzgerald said. "We (coaches) have to help them find a way to make one more play."

It's been done: Michigan State's defense looked mortal Saturday at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers gained 6.1 yards per play, more than the 5.1 per play they gained against Northwestern two weeks earlier. Michigan State won 41-28 after going plus-5 on turnovers.

Asked if the game revealed some clues to attacking the Spartans defense, Fitzgerald joked about shielding his plans from Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.

"I'm not telling you that," Fitzgerald said. "Hi, Mark. How are you doing, Coach Dantonio?"

NU's Kain Colter said what gives the Wildcats confidence is they "moved the ball" last year on Michigan State in a 23-20 victory. Colter and TrevorSiemian did pass for 246 yards, but the Wildcats ran for just 57. They won because they went plus-4 on turnovers.